What Are The Best Essential Oils for ADHD Treatment?

For parents, having a child with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, ADHD can create many worries like how the child will handle life and cope with studies. According to CDC, up to 6.4 million children have ADHD. ADHD is a common childhood mental disorder related to neurodevelopment. If statistics are anything to go by, ADHD is diagnosed three times more often in boys than girls. Sometimes a child can overcome this debilitating challenge; however, this condition can run into adulthood

Types and Symptoms Of ADHD

Based on symptoms, Children with ADHD are often classified into three major types: Inattention, impulsive hyperactivity, or a combination of the two.

Inattentive type: Forgetfulness, easy distraction, and inability to pull through a task before jumping to another

Children with hyperactive/impulsive type often show the following symptoms:

Constant movement

Fidgeting and squirming in seats

Impatience

Unbridled emotions

Excessive talking

Interrupting conversations needlessly

Causes and Treatment of ADHD

The cause of ADHD is still unknown; however, many medical experts believe it to be a result of genetics and environmental factors. Alongside recommended diets, essential oils are very beneficial and can help improve mental clarity, promote concentration, and calm a ﻿restless﻿ child. Both adults and children can enjoy the healing powers of essential oils. The following are considered the best essential oils for ADHD/ADD.

What Are The Best Essential Oils for ADHD Treatment?

Vetiver Oil

Vetiver oil is gotten from the roots of Vetiveria zizanioides, a grass native to India. This thick, dark essential oil has a distinctly warm and earthy fragrance. Vetiver oil can help improve focus and stabilize psychological processes. According to experts, Vetiver oil can reduce the symptoms of ADD and ADHD in children. It also helps to ease tension and reduce hyperactivity. It is one of the best essential oils for ADHD treatment to try out.

In a study conducted by Dr. Terry Friedman, M.D, on children between the ages of 6-15 who have an attention deficit condition, Vetiver was found to improve the brain activity of all the participants.

How to use Vetiver Oil For ADHD

Before using Vetiver essential oil for ADD, make sure you dilute with a carrier oil like almond or olive oil. Start by rubbing a drop to the bottom of the feet to help control impulses. Also, apply a drop to the back of your neck.

You can also drop the oil on your palms, rub together, place over your nose and inhale.

Frankincense Oil

Frankincense has been in use since the ancient times for setting a relaxing ambiance during religious rites. This spicy oil is one of the best essential oils for attention and focus due to its ability to induce relaxation, improve mental clarity, and bring feelings of comfort. It also helps reduce feelings of anxiety relieve stress. Frankincense oil is not only functional for ADD, but it is also an excellent antiseptic and diuretic. People with respiratory issues will find this oil an efficient aid.

How to use Frankincense Oil For ADHD?

You can use Frankincense oil alone or blend with other essential oils to increase its effectiveness. Apply topically after diluting with a suitable carrier oil or use with a diffuser.

Lavender Oil

There are not many essential oils that can induce a peaceful and calm feeling on the body like Lavender oil. It has a sweet and alluring aroma and is commonly used to relieve stress, anxiety and induce relaxation and sound sleep. Studies have repeatedly shown that Lavender oil is the best oil for depression, reducing stress levels and restlessness. Using Lavender oil for ADD will help improve concentration and cognitive performance. It is one of the best essential oils for ADD in adults.

How to use Lavender Oil for ADHD Treatment?

Morning and night, rub drops of lavender oil on the bottom of your feet, your neck and temples. You can also inhale directly from the bottle or use in a diffuser.

Cedarwood Oil

Cedarwood is extracted from parts of Cedar tree and has been used for centuries for treating many ailments. It is known to stimulate thought clarity and mental synergy by boosting the supply of oxygen to the brain. Studies have also shown that Cedarwood oil affects limbic system in the brain, which is the seat of emotions. Using Cedarwood essential oil for ADD can help improve focus, and calm the mind. Many also use Cedarwood oil for treat skin conditions, repel insects, and disinfect wounds.

How to use Cedarwood Essential Oil For Treating ADHD?

Dilute Cedarwood oil with a carrier oil and apply to the base of the feet, back of the neck or temples.

Alternatively, you can inhale directly or use with a diffuser.

Ylang-Ylang Oil

Ylang-ylang oil is extracted by steam distillation of the flowers of Ylang-Ylang tree, a plant native to Asia. It is an excellent antidepressant, antiseptic, and nervous system enhancer. According to research, the sedative properties of ylang-ylang oil can help reduce heart rate and blood pressure. It can help to promote mental clarity and concentration in ADD patients and make them feel contented.

How to use Ylang-Ylang Essential Oil?

Use Ylang-Ylang oil with caution. Make sure you dilute sufficiently with a carrier oil before topical application. Rub on the base of the feet, the temples and the back of your neck.

You can also inhale sparingly or use with a diffuser.

Mandarin Oil

Mandarin Oil is a citrus-based oil extracted from the peels of Citrus reticulate and can induce calm in a depressed spirit. When combined with lavender oil, the soothing effect it gives is outstanding.

How to use Mandarin Oil For ADHD?

Mandarin oil, like every citrus-based oil, is photosensitive and skin irritation can occur upon exposure to sunlight. Preferably, apply before going to bed.

Tea Tree Oil

Also known as Melaleuca oil, Tea Tree oil is a potent oil with antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties. Its anti-inflammatory properties make it an efficient aid for people with ADHD. Tea Tree Oil can help improve attention and concentration. It also boosts the growth of immunoglobulin cells in the body. These cells are often inhibited by candidiasis and clostridia overgrowth.

How to use Tea Tree Oil For ADHD?

Put a drop or two on your palm, rub together, place your palms over your nose and inhale deeply. Inhaling will help boost the body’s immune system.

Roman Chamomile Oil

Roman Chamomile is commonly used as a stress reliever and mood booster. It has a comforting and soothing aroma that promotes mental stability and focus in ADD patients.

How to use Roman Chamomile Essential Oil?

Apply topically to the wrist, behind the ears, and other pulse points.

Use with a diffuser.

Alternatively, you can inhale directly from the bottle,

Cilantro Oil

The accumulation of heavy metal toxins is common with people suffering from ADHD. Studies have shown that Cilantro oil can help remove these toxins through a process called chelation. Aside from being a detoxifying agent, it is also antimicrobial, antidepressant, and antioxidant. The reduction of lead and other toxins in the body alleviates the symptoms of ADD.

How to use Cilantro Oil?

Use a Diffuser

Use topically by rubbing on the children’s body.

Cypress Oil

Cypress oil is gotten from the cypress tree and has powerful characteristics similar to ylang oil. One typical situation in ADD patients is confusion – inability to focus on a single thing. Using cypress oil can help stabilize and structure the mind, and improve mental clarity. In cases of nervous tension, Cypress oil will induce calm and relaxation.

How to use Cypress Oil?

You can use as a massage oil or mix with your cream. Rub the oil on your feet, neck and temples.

You can also use with your diffuser.

Another way to use cypress oil is by adding a few drops to your bath water.

Rosemary Oil

Rosemary Oil is another essential oil for ADD to try. Students in ancient Greece and Rome rubbed the oil on their foreheads to aid concentration. You can use this oil to improve emotional stability in children. It can also help increase their assimilation rate when studying or learning.

How to use Rosemary Oil For ADHD

Rub on the bottom of the feet or use with a diffuser.

ADHD Essential Oils Blend Recipes

Using the recipes below, you can make your essential oil blends at home.

Recipe 1 – Massage Oil

20 drops of mandarin oil

20 drops of roman chamomile oil

20 drops of lavender oil

60 drops of carrier oil (olive or coconut oil)

Mix the ingredients and store in a tightly covered glass bottle, away from sunlight. Massage on your temples, back of your knees, and the bottom of your feet.

Recipe 2 Inhaler Blend:

2 drops of Cedarwood oil

2 drops of Lavender oil

5 drops of Vetiver oil

Store these ingredients in a bottle and inhale at intervals to boost concentration. It is also safe for kids but should be administered by an adult.

About the author

Sally Wong

Sally Wong is a manual therapist for about 15 years now and also a massage specialist. She is actively taking care of her body to stay healthy and in shape by doing Yoga and Tai Chi. She has a lot of knowledge and interest in Essential Oils because of her Oriental background. She learnt many things from her Grandmother. Originally from a small village in South China, now she lives in Vancouver, Canada.